Can I be forced to go full-time?

[oohivy]

I work part-time and applied for a full-time vacancy. I got the job but after 2 days training realised I'd made a big mistake. My old duty is still vacant and I want to return to it but my manager says I can't and I have to take the full-time position. He says I have 'signed' for it by applying for it and being given it. There are plenty of people in the office who want the full-time job, and my old job has not even been advertised yet. Am I being unreasonable by refusing to go full-time? I have not signed a new contract with new hours or even been given confirmation that I even got the job. All there is in writing is my application for the position. The job vacancy did state that once a new duty holder signs for the job they have to do it for a year. Does signing for a job mean physically signing something?
Confused and devastated.

[fishtank]

Signing for a duty and agreeing to change your contracted hours are not the same thing even if both are done at the same time.
Of course you can change your mind,people's circumstances change and if there are people queuing up behind you for those hours only an ignorant manager would make an issue of it.
However having said that you are not guaranteed your old duty back either.
Seniority will dictate that in the end.

[oohivy]

I have just spoken to my local rep. He is also saying that once you sign for a round you have to do it for a year. I just don't get it. All I have done is a couple of days training. I am on my old round for the rest of this week and am due to start the new one on Monday. I haven't signed anything. Aaaargh.

[fishtank]

I have just spoken to my local rep. He is also saying that once you sign for a round you have to do it for a year.

The 12 month rule on signing for a duty is there to stop people jumping on and off every vacant duty that arises during the year.
It is not designed to apply to someone who has cold feet before they even start on a duty.
You need to speak to someone who knows how to apply agreements in the spirit they were intended.
Try contacting your branch if your local rep is not helpful.

[oohivy]

Thanks fishtank. I have been absolutely worried sick today. I have even been contemplating resigning over this as I'm that upset.

[oohivy]

Update: I have just been given my old duty back. It was referred to the Area Manager in the end. He said there wasn't a problem as I hadn't been put onto full time on the system yet. (Thank goodness my manager is so inefficient). The computer said YES!

[NWpostie]

Dunno why you want to do that, as full time means more money, better pensions in the long term.

You have your reasons I suppose.